What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure used to enhance the skin, creating a smooth, more youthful appearance. Many wish to improve their skin because of wrinkles, acne scars, discoloration, and scars. This procedure provides benefits to the skin of men and women alike.

Also known as a laser peel, these new technologies allow plastic surgeons an extreme level of control to treat skin in delicate areas. More control of laser beams can mean less application to the skin and fewer problems with healing. 

What Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Treat?

Laser skin resurfacing is a new skin procedure that is a proven way to improve skin. This technique provides better results than topical creams and facials.

Some common reasons why patients undergo this procedure include:

• Correcting pigmentation
• Remove fine lines around of under the eyes
• Effectively treat scars from acne, birthmarks, moles, or tattoos
• Improving sun-damaged skin
• Remove warts
• Reducing or removing facial wrinkles, creases, and lines
• Tightening the skin that has lost elasticity due to aging
• Remove some types of birthmarks
• Reduce pore size
• Non-responsive skin after a facelift
• Improve overall skin complexion and texture

How Does Laser Resurfacing Work?

Laser skin resurfacing removes skin layers, allowing new skin cells to form underneath. A plastic surgeon will perform this delicate procedure. Sometimes treating specific areas of the face is all that is needed, but the entire face may receive laser treatment. 

Using a laser, the outer skin layers that have suffered sun damage, natural aging, and pigmentation issues are ablated or destroyed. This destruction of older layers on the skin causes the body to generate a new layer of fresh skin cells, unaffected by previous conditions. Laser skin resurfacing allows new collagen fibers to grow as well.

The old skin will become dry and peel off about a week later. Previous skin issues like discoloration or rough textures will disappear as the treated skin layers come off. 

What To Expect During the Procedure

A plastic surgeon will need to perform your laser treatment, but it won’t involve an overnight stay. They may, however, prescribe antibiotic medication or medicine for cold sores beforehand. 

To begin the treatment process, the patient’s face is prepped and cleansed of oils. An antibiotic ointment is then applied to prevent infection.

For only a small treatment area, the surgeon may only apply a local anesthetic. When laser resurfacing an entire face, general anesthesia may be necessary. A partial face treatment takes about 30 minutes, while a full-face treatment takes up to 2 hours.

A laser will eliminate various layers of skin in a controlled manner. Short bursts of concentrated light are applied precisely by the surgeon. These focused beams of light treat the skin one layer at a time to the appropriate depth of the epidermis. 

Recovery After Skin Treatment

Skin healing generally takes 10 to 21 days, but the skin may remain red 2 or 3 additional months. Total recovery time varies from patient to patient. Heeling time is affected by the extent of the treatment area and the number of times the patient has undergone a peel.

After the procedure, the surgeon will bandage the treatment areas. The patient will leave the bandages on for 24 hours and then need to clean the skin 5 times per day. After each cleaning, the application of an antibiotic ointment will prevent infection, scabs, and scarring. 

Swelling afterward is common, especially around the eyes. A prescribed steroid ointment will help reduce swelling. Stinging and itching for a few days after treatment may occur before the skin begins to peel. 

The skin needs to heal before wearing makeup (10 – 21 days), and then oil-free makeup is recommended until redness fades. The new skin will be lighter in pigment after a peel and needs protection from the sun. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen is critical after a peel to protect skin from damage. 

New skin needs to stay moisturized, even after healing. Products containing Retin A and glycolic acid are safe to use after 6 weeks or early with the doctor’s approval. Men will need to abstain from shaving for around 10 days and begin shaving again with the doctor’s approval. 

To speed up the recovery time, plenty of rest and limited movement is necessary. Some pain is to be expected and can include redness or facial oozing. Patients can treat any pain felt with oral medication. 

Risks of a Laser Peel

It is essential to select a board-certified surgeon, like Dr. Lett, when opting for a laser peel cosmetic procedure. While this type of peel is safe when done correctly, there are risks to the skin like:

• Burns from the heat when not applied correctly
• Scarring of the skin
• Pigmentation changes, this is a greater risk the darker the skin
• Irritation of latent cold sores
• Skin infections at the treatment site

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month

In November, we shine a light on men’s health issues. Globally, men die 6 years earlier than women on average. Many of the causes are preventable. Many times, men are either unaware of the risks or the importance of their health is minimized. 

Along with taking care of their outward appearance, men’s health encompasses mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. The Movember movement gives men a resource for learning about important health issues within a community. Movember spreads awareness through men growing out their mustaches to start up a conversation about health. 

Movember Offers Up 5 Main Tips for Men

1. Spend time with people who make you feel good.
2. Talk, more.
3. Know the numbers.
4. Know thy nuts. Simple.
5. Move, more.

The goal is to give men a better quality of life, and a longer one at that. Knowledge is power when it comes to keeping men healthy and aware of preventable 

Learn more about laser skin resurfacing and how you can improve your skin’s appearance and enhance your natural beauty. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lett of The Lett Center today to determine which cosmetic procedures would work best for you. The knowledgeable staff in Mt. Juliet and Lebanon, Tennessee will help you look and feel your best.